What hidden costs should I expect with a flooring installation project in NB?

The most common hidden costs in NB flooring projects add 20 to 40 percent to the base flooring and installation price, and they catch homeowners off guard when they are not itemized upfront. Knowing these costs before you get quotes allows you to ask better questions and compare bids accurately.

Old flooring removal is the first cost many homeowners overlook. Removing existing carpet costs $1 to $2 per square foot, but removing glued-down hardwood, vinyl, or tile runs $2 to $4 per square foot — and removing tile from a cement board substrate can push toward $5 per square foot when the cement board also needs to come up. If your NB home was built before 1986, any existing vinyl tile or sheet vinyl may contain asbestos, and removal by a licensed abatement professional adds significant cost. Testing costs only $25 to $50 per sample and should always be done before disturbing old vinyl.

Subfloor preparation is the biggest hidden cost category. Many NB homes — especially older homes in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton — have subfloors that are uneven, damaged, or inadequate for modern flooring. Self-levelling compound over concrete runs $2 to $4 per square foot. Plywood overlay on old board subfloors costs $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot. Joist repair, if needed, can add hundreds or even thousands depending on extent. A good installer will inspect your subfloor before quoting, but some provide quotes sight-unseen and then add subfloor costs after demolition reveals the actual conditions.

Moisture testing and mitigation is especially relevant in New Brunswick. The Maritime climate means concrete basement slabs continuously release moisture vapour, and spring snowmelt raises the water table further. Testing costs $50 to $150 per area, and if moisture levels are too high, a dimpled drainage membrane ($1.50 to $3.00 per square foot) or moisture barrier underlayment ($0.50 to $1.00 per square foot) becomes necessary. Skipping this step in NB is gambling with your entire flooring investment.

Trim and transition work adds up quickly across a whole house. Baseboard removal and reinstallation runs $2 to $4 per linear foot, and if your baseboards are damaged during removal, replacement baseboards and painting add more. Transition strips between rooms and at doorways cost $15 to $50 each installed, and a typical NB home needs 5 to 10 of them. Door trimming — cutting the bottom of door casings and sometimes the doors themselves to accommodate the new floor height — costs $15 to $30 per doorway.

Furniture moving costs $50 to $200 per room if your installer handles it, and many do not include it in their base quote. Appliance disconnection and reconnection in kitchens (gas stove, dishwasher, refrigerator water line) may require a plumber or gas fitter at additional cost. Disposal fees for old flooring materials run $50 to $200 per load depending on your municipality's tipping fees.

The best way to avoid surprises is to insist on a detailed written quote that breaks out every line item: materials, labour, removal, subfloor prep, underlayment, trim, transitions, furniture moving, and disposal. If a contractor gives you a single number with no breakdown, ask for specifics before signing. Getting three or more quotes from NB flooring installers lets you compare not just total price but what is included — the cheapest quote often excludes items that the more detailed quotes include.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• First united design & construction inc.
• M&L Commercial and residential services
• Forever Epoxy Inc
• The Garbage Guys Ltd
• FRS Flooring Solutions